King Charles has returned to official public duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer.
The monarch, 75, visited a cancer treatment center in London where he met with medical specialists and other patients.
Charles, who is the patron of cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support, arrived at University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center in central London Tuesday morning with his wife, Queen Camilla.
The pair’s visit aims to draw the importance of early diagnosis and highlight innovative research taking place at the treatment facility.
What’s more, Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday that the King is the new royal patron of Cancer Research UK.
Charles was seen waving to large crowds gathered outside the medical facility, and was heard making a joke upon arrival.
It’s the first time since his diagnosis where he’s meet with large numbers of people.
The King announced his defiant return to the royal fold on Friday in an official announcement from Buckingham Palace.
News of Charles’s cancer diagnosis came to light in February after he underwent a procedure for an enlarged prostate. There, doctors discovered “a separate issue of concern” that requires treatment.
Buckingham Palace later clarified that the cancer was not prostate cancer.
It comes after the monarch, who is currently receiving outpatient treatment, has been forced to hit the brakes on much of his royal agenda to focus on his health.
And while he was “responding really well” to treatment, he has also been left “frustrated” over the current face of the monarchy following the health woes that have plagued the royal family in recent months.
Just one month after revealing his cancer diagnosis to the world, his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton revealed that she, too, is in the midst of her own battle with cancer.
The royal family was forced to undergo a major reshuffle with two of its most senior members of the Firm undergoing treatment.
While he’s made an active effort to avoid commenting on speculation about his health, Charles did speak out about his own battle just days after going public with the news.
The King said that well wishes from the public are “the greatest comfort and encouragement.”
Palace officials are still in the midst of planning His Majesty’s summer calendar as its subject to change upon medical advice from doctors.
The upcoming months are set to be busy for the royals, with several high-profile events like Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and Royal Ascot taking place.
There is also a chance that the King and Queen will travel abroad toward the end of the year, however, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.
